Galoust Torosian withdraws from U17 World Championships in Baku over safety concerns

American wrestler of Armenian descent Galoust Gregory Torosian has officially withdrawn from the U17 World Wrestling Championships, which will take place in Baku.

The Team USA member and 2026 U.S. Open champion in the U17 category was expected to compete for the American Greco-Roman wrestling team, but decided to pull out of the tournament. The athlete announced the decision in a statement published through the World Team Training Center.

Torosian explained his decision by citing safety concerns

In his statement, Galoust Torosian said that withdrawing from the World Championships was one of the hardest decisions of his life. According to the athlete, representing the United States has always been a great honor for him, but traveling to Azerbaijan caused serious concerns for both him and his family.

Torosian stated that, as an Armenian-American and a Christian, he could not ignore the risks connected with taking part in the tournament in Baku. In his statement, he also mentioned the destruction of Armenian Christian churches and historical sites, the detention of Armenian prisoners, as well as hostile rhetoric toward people of Armenian descent.

The athlete emphasized that his decision was not made out of fear, but out of principle and responsibility.

“No athlete should have to choose between pursuing a lifelong dream and worrying about their safety because of their ethnicity and religion,” Torosian wrote.

Torosian cited a lack of response from UWW

The American wrestler separately noted that the situation was made more difficult by the lack of proper communication from United World Wrestling leadership. According to Torosian, he sent several emails raising safety concerns and asking what measures would be taken to protect athletes.

Torosian said that emails were also sent to Arsen Julfalakyan, the chair of the UWW Athletes’ Commission. However, according to the wrestler, he did not receive a response.

Torosian noted that he understood the complexity of the situation, but expected his concerns to at least be acknowledged and reviewed.

U17 World Championships to be held in Baku

The U17 World Wrestling Championships will take place from July 27 to August 2 in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku. Galoust Torosian had been named to the Team USA Greco-Roman wrestling squad and was expected to represent the United States at the world event.

The athlete wished Team USA and the U.S. Open finalist, who is likely to take his place at the tournament, success. At the same time, Torosian stressed that withdrawing from the U17 World Championships does not mean the end of his international ambitions.

“I remain proud to represent my country, proud of my Christian Armenian heritage, and more determined than ever to chase my dreams. This chapter may be ending, but my journey is only beginning. LA28,” Torosian wrote.

Armenia’s participation remains uncertain

It is still unknown whether Armenia’s national team will take part in the U17 World Championships in Baku. The tournament is important not only as a junior world championship, but also as one of the key stages on the road to qualification for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Galoust Torosian’s withdrawal has become one of the most notable statements surrounding the upcoming tournament and has once again raised the issue of the safety of Armenian athletes and representatives of the Armenian diaspora at competitions held in Azerbaijan.